Director of Operations

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:                        Director of Operations

Department:                          Operations

Reports to:                             VP of Orchestra Operations

FLSA Status:                        Exempt

Revised:                                10.2026

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: The Director of Operations oversees the day-to-day production and operations of the orchestra and Allen-Bradley Hall. For all duties, the Director of Operations provides the best possible customer service, communications, project management, and support possible. Specific duties include the management of orchestral operations, overseeing tour and run-out planning, and assisting with orchestral labor relations. The position trains and provides excellent leadership to the operations team. The Director of Operations reports to the VP of Orchestra Operations, and will be an important part of the MSO team and its home, the Bradley Symphony Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and manage all logistics of day-to-day operations of Orchestra including supervision of the production of all rehearsals, performances, including production schedules and rider review, instrument and equipment rentals, touring/runouts, presentations, rental events, and other activities including community engagement events and initiatives as needed.
• Serve as a “customer service agent” on behalf of the Operations team by proactively communicating, managing, and assisting all constituencies involved with the concert experience.
• Work closely with artistic leadership, including staff and guest conductors and artists, on details of concert operations and logistics for performances.
• Use best judgment and diplomacy when working with musicians to accommodate requests. Serve as liaison to the Orchestra’s Scheduling Committee and other committees as assigned.
• Review and institute policies and procedures for production, information management, and communication; manage systems as needed. Document and maintain records of production documents and contracts with electronic databases (ArtsVision) and file systems.
• Participate and liaise with concert presenters and promoters for fee-for-hire engagements and venue rentals.
• Manage runout and tour logistics for orchestra personnel and staff, including lodging, personnel transportation, per diem, itineraries, and relevant advances.
• Monitor operations budgets, accruals, and expense actuals vs budget; oversee check request and invoice processes for relevant expenses and income.
• Provide support for recording and other artistic media projects, including but not limited to, archival recordings, radio broadcasts, and television or internal projects.
• Serve in rotation of concert duty and other production duties as needed.
• Assist with stage and venue setups when permitted and necessary.

• Other duties as assigned by the VP of Orchestra Operations.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS: This position is integral in communicating with employees across all functions. In addition, the position includes regular communication and direct contact with guest artists, stagehands, and vendors.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Arts or Business Administration. Minimum of five years’ experience in orchestra operations management or other relevant experience. Knowledge of orchestral repertoire and performance practices.

Experience with ArtsVision is a plus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position supervises operations department staff including direct reports of the Production Manager & Live Audio Supervisor, MSO | Technical Director, BSC, Production Stage Manager, and Operations Coordinator.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  This position requires basic math skills.

REASONING ABILITY: Able to collect data and information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: This position requires broad knowledge of orchestral music, understanding of best practices in orchestra management, and a strong desire to work collaboratively with musicians. Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to think strategically and work quickly at a high level of accuracy; excellent management and administrative skills. Must be able to work evenings and weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Job-related stress may be encountered during high-peak times.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to employ the most qualified person available for a job. This policy recognizes individual differences and the specific demands of each position. The MSO has a firm commitment to extend equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all people without regard to age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest or conviction record, military service or any other characteristic prohibited by law except where a bona fide occupational qualification precludes employment.

BENEFITS: The Director of Operations is entitled to all benefits available to full-time employees including paid time off, paid holidays, health, dental, life and long-term disability insurances and eligibility to participate in vision insurance, flexible spending account plans, and staff retirement savings plans.

The above is representative of the position; there may be other activities or responsibilities required which are not listed. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This does not constitute a contract with any person in any position.